Howdy Monty,
Oz and Bambu are shooting straight with their advice. Also, I've caught them by using a balloon rig with a live shad several times but, in my opinion, there aint nothing better than a big, blue and white Zara Spook walked over 'em when they're crashing bait balls on top. Who doesn't love a topwater strike? Remember, stripers have straight lines and hybrids have broken lines on their sides.
Good luck to you,
Bigwhiskers